The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish & Wildlife, in partnership with RI Pheasants Forever and the Federated RI Sportsmen’s Clubs, will offer a free training workshop and orientation for junior pheasant hunters aged 12 to 14 on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston. The session is open to all junior hunters who have completed a hunter education class.

Topics that will be covered during the workshop include proper gear and clothing; rules and regulations for pheasant hunting; pheasant habitat and behavior, with live pheasants on hand for demonstration and discussion; gun safety in the field; introduction to hunting dogs; clay target shooting; and information about the Oct. 12-13 junior pheasant hunting weekend.

DEM will provide safety gear, along with 12- and 20-gauge ammunition. Participants may bring their own shotgun or borrow one that will be provided during the session. Lunch and assistance will be provided by RI Pheasants Forever and the Federated RI Sportsmen’s Clubs.